LUBE OR NOT TO LUBE??

Oh, lube. My treasured sex comrade. You're the pit bull of sexual pleasure: You have acquired such a bad reputation but, really, you have a heart of gold and just want to be loved a little more.

Take a minute to forget the bad rap it's gotten as a quick fix for women who can't get wet enough (Really? Really?). Lube can fill an array of needs — whether that's keeping the engine revving a little longer during a crazed sex-marathon, making you a little bit more slippery, or introducing you to some fun butt play (Why not change it up?). Bottom line, lube is simply fantastic. If you haven't yet stocked up but are in the market, may I — as a Certified Lube Lover* — provide you with some things you might want to know? (*OK, there's no lube lover certification, but, if there was..) Here goes.

1. You are not broken if you use lube. Its insane that in this day and age, that some women really still feel that way. I don't get it! Using a lubricant does not mean that your vagina isn't functioning properly. If anything, using lube makes you more of a connoisseur of sex and the ambassador of your own pleasure! You are exploring your body, gaining knowledge of that mythical creature known as the orgasm.

So if anyone tries to tell you that there's something wrong with you or your body because your partial to lube, then they (not you!) have some issues going on. Don’t let anyone tell you your broken it's not true! And if your partner is saying that to you, drop 'em. Seriously they aren't worth it.

2. It's a must if you want to try anal. Your butt needs lube. I'm not saying you must partake in butt stuff, but if that is something you and your partner are interested in exploring — or you have already adventured to the back side on a regular basis — stock up on a good lube. This is essential for your pleasure. You want a lube that will last the distance (I prefer a silicone lube, but there are also desensitizing comfort lubes and serums).

There's a vast expanse of options for any type of lubricant, which can feel rather overwhelming at first. I highly recommend taking a trip to one of our local stores and talking to the employees, or checking out the chat on our website, since we know the ins and outs of what can work best. In general, it's a great environment to talk to someone about your specific needs when exploring your body — we are like talking to a therapist, but for your private parts.

3. Don't use oil-based lubes with condoms. Want to use baby oil or petroleum jelly? NOT! It can deteriorate the latex in a condom and cause it to break. Not good. So if condoms are your only form of birth control, think wisely. If the condom breaks, that can increase your risk of STIs or pregnancy —and those may be two things you want to keep away from your vagina, (well its always best to keep sti's away)

4. Don't use silicone lubes with silicone sex toys. They can and will cause your silicone toy to break down — part of buying a vibrator 101! When making an investment in your pleasure you want to keep in mind the best care for your new friend to keep it going for longer, and remember that teflon pan that is no longer no stick and all that coating ended up in your dinner without you realizing.. You don’t want a similar experience down there. That said, silicone lubes are great for water play, as water-based lubes obviously wouldn't work with that.

5. ...But silicone works with condoms. Silicone-based lubes last longer than water-based lubes (which work with both condoms and sex toys). Water-based lubes seem to a popular type of lube, but they also have a tendency to dry out more quickly, so you might need to reapply it during your sex-capades.

6. Popular forms of lubes could cause infections. If you are prone to yeast infections or any other non-fun infections down there, pay heed: A 2013 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology revealed that women who used products that aren't really supposed to go in their lady bits (like some oils and Vaseline) had much higher rates of yeast and various bacterial infections, most likely because these products messed with their pH balance.

Oh, you might want to stay away from glycerin, too, depending on the use you are looking for in your new lube, fun fact Glycerin is also an ingredient in laxatives, which means lubes with that ingredient may not bode well with anal sex … if you catch my drift. Decide what your main activity you are looking for and read the ingredients.

7. Just ask!. Remember that we are here to help and if anything seems confusing that an informative decision is only a quick question away. Ask us anything now.

8. There's no catch-all for what lube works for you. Of course, when it comes to your body and your orgasm, research (and trial and error) is key, but remember: Everyone's experience is unique. One woman may be into Uberlube, but maybe you'll prefer Wet Stuff, just like one woman might be down for doing it doggy style and another prefers missionary. All you can do is try and see what puts you on the fast track to incredible pleasure!